hi Jodie do try to find some one that is demonstating Encaustic Art,I first heard of this from Iced and was lucky to find a craft center that was teaching this craft , i have now taken my first lesson,and will send my first results to my pictures[under on the bright side so watch out for them] and yes it is quick and i am sure you will pick it up quite quickly.try Emailing creativecrafts@ntlworld.com they also have a web site www.creativecraftsuk.com they will be able to tell you more about toxic fumes,for your breathing problems.but please dont stop it could prove fatal.and we need your input.